Twice a year, we set our clocks forward or back in the name of Daylight Saving Time (DST), and twice a year, workplaces feel the impact. The switch (particularly the spring forward) throws off sleep schedules, making employees groggy, unproductive, and, in some cases, absent altogether. But how much does this one-hour shift really affect absence rates and productivity, and what can employers do to soften the blow?
The cost of lost sleep
Research has shown that the Monday after the clocks go forward sees an increase in employee lateness and absence. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that workplace productivity drops significantly the day after the spring DST transition due to lost sleep. Employees get, on average, 40 minutes less sleep, leading to reduced concentration and motivation. This happens because the sudden time shift disrupts the body's circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles, making it harder for employees to adjust.
The shift doesn’t just increase absenteeism, it also raises the risk of workplace injuries, particularly in physically demanding jobs. Fatigue-related errors tend to rise in the week following the time change, leading to operational disruptions and reduced productivity. The aforementioned report also notes that injury data from 1983 to 2006 found a 5.7% increase in workplace injuries in the days after daylight saving time begins.
The ripple effect on absence rates
Absence rates tend to climb in the days following the time change, particularly in sectors with early morning shifts. Increased numbers of employees take unscheduled leave or calling in sick has a knock-on effect on colleagues, who may be left picking up the slack, straining productivity and morale and risking further absence.
How employers can minimise the impact
While DST isn’t going anywhere (in the UK, at least) employers can take steps to mitigate its effects on absence and productivity:
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Flexible start times: Allowing employees to adjust their start time in the first few days after the change can help them ease into the new schedule and reduce lateness.
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Remote work options: If feasible, offering remote work for a day or two can help employees adapt without the stress of commuting on groggy mornings.
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Encouraging sleep hygiene: Reminding employees in advance to adjust their sleep schedules—going to bed earlier in the days leading up to the change—can reduce the shock to their system.
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Optimising workloads: Avoid scheduling high-concentration tasks or major deadlines immediately after the time shift to accommodate for lower productivity levels.
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Providing caffeine (within reason!): A well-timed office coffee run or free voucher can do wonders in helping employees shake off the DST sluggishness.
With a bit of planning, employers can reduce its impact on absence and keep productivity on track. After all, an extra cup of coffee and a little flexibility can go a long way in keeping businesses running smoothly, even if everyone is a bit sleepier than usual!
